Words: Charlie Leeves
Did you know that you can layer fragrances to create lasting, unique scents that will allow you to stand out from the crowd? When you were younger did you ever combine all your favourite foods together and eat it? If you did you probably found that it wasn’t actually very nice. This same principle is applied to fragrances, just because these fragrances smell great by themselves doesn’t mean they work together – fragrance layering is an art that takes time and experimentation to get right. So, guys, if you're ready to learn something new or to up your scent game, here's everything you need to know about fragrance layering:
What is fragrance layering?
The idea of fragrance layering is quite simple, it is taking two or more scents and combining them together to create something unique. It’s like creating a new outfit but instead of clothes you are combining different scents to create something you’d be happy to leave the house in!
To start layering your fragrances it is good to understand the fragrance families, you can read our article on fragrance families here. Woody and aromatic fragrances are fantastic base notes. Citrus and vanilla notes are scents that typically work with most of the fragrance families, so if you are just starting out and want to layer with something safe then these two should be your go to options.
Double up
Traditionally a great way to layer fragrances is through doubling up key notes in the fragrances. If you have two perfumes that have the same key scent, such as vanilla or rose, then pairing these together will create powerful punches of this specific scent as well as adding interesting twists with their different notes. Whilst this is a great way to make your scent bigger and bolder, it isn’t using scent layering to its full potential…
Creating contrasts
The real fun with layering fragrances is when you combine two distinctly different fragrances to create bold and refreshing contrasts. The beauty of this way of fragrance layering is that everything is bespoke to you, you’ll stand out in the crowd as no one will smell like you. If you fancy a lighter top note with a bolder base, then you can go for it! Why not try mixing a citrussy scent with a floral one or mix an aromatic fragrance with a woody perfume, who knows what sort of secret mixture you’ll discover?
Our advice
It’s always best to test and try out combinations first, don’t try something new and radical right before a first date because it might not turn out the way that you want it to!
When applying the layers always start with the heaviest fragrance first, let that dry and then spray the next one. This is so that the heavy fragrance doesn’t overpower the more delicate fragrance that you are trying to highlight.
When layering fragrances always makes sure that you wear the same amount of fragrance as you usually would with one fragrance. Otherwise you’ll end up smelling like a teenage boy who thinks Lynx Africa is a great substitute for a shower and let’s be honest, no one thinks that’s cool. Remember that a little goes a long way, and this is the same with the layering of fragrances.
The final part is remembering that everything you use along the way plays a role, whether it is your soap or shower gel – these all have scents and will impact your layering. So, if some combinations aren’t working it might be a good idea to switch to unscented soaps as to not muddle with the fragrance that you’re aiming for.
Remember, there are no set rules with layering fragrances so let your imagination run wild and create something special to you!
Stand out, be unique - layer your fragrances
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